Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver receives at
least one of a transmission of media content and a broadcast of media
content, wherein the media content includes at least one of broadcast
media content and entertainment media content, and further wherein the
receiver receives information regarding the media content, a processor
for processing at least one of the received media content and the
received information regarding the media content, a display device for
visually displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a
speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the media
content.

Claims:

1. A content player, comprising: a receiver configured to receive media
content and to receive information regarding the media content together
with the media content, the information regarding the media content
comprising a plot synopsis of the media content and a synopsis of
transpired events in the media content; a processor coupled to the
receiver, the processor being configured to process the media content and
the information regarding the media content; media-playing device
equipment coupled to the processor, the media-playing device equipment
being configured to provide the media content to a user of the content
player, the media-playing device equipment comprising a display device;
wherein the content player is configured to display on the display device
at least a portion of the information regarding the media content
received by the receiver, the portion of the information comprising the
plot synopsis of the media content and the synopsis of transpired events
in the media content.

2. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the
information regarding the media content further comprises a start time of
the media content, an end time of the media content, and a lapsed time of
the media content.

3. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises
a player configured to receive the media content from tape.

4. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises
a player configured to receive the media content from optical storage
media.

5. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is
configured to receive the media content as compressed digital content.

6. A content player according to claim 5, wherein the receiver is
configured to receive wirelessly the media content and the information
regarding the media content.

7. A content player according to claim 5, wherein the receiver is
configured to receive a wireless broadcast of the media content and the
information regarding the media content.

8. A content player according to claim 5, wherein the receiver is
configured to receive a wireless broadcast of the media content and the
information regarding the media content, the wireless broadcast being
selected from the group consisting of a radio broadcast and a television
broadcast.

9. A content player according to claim 5, wherein the receiver comprises
a satellite receiver configured to receive a satellite broadcast
comprising the media content and the information regarding the media
content.

10. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the information
regarding the media content comprises price of the media content.

11. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the information
regarding the media content comprises product information regarding at
least one of a good and a service, and the portion of the information
regarding the media content displayed on the display device comprises the
product information.

12. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the information
regarding the media content is at least one of transmitted as a header
file to the media content, encoded into at least a portion of the media
content, and transmitted during at least a portion of a transmission of
the media content.

13. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the content player is
configured to display the portion of the information regarding the media
content during at least a portion of time when the content player plays
the media content.

14. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the media-playing
device equipment is configured to provide the media content to the user
by displaying the media content on the display device.

15. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the content player is
configured to display on the display device a lapsed time of the media
content as a percentage of total duration of the media content.

16. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the media-playing
device equipment further comprises an audio device configured to an play
audio portion of the media content.

17. A content player according to claim 1, wherein the media-playing
device equipment further comprises an audio device configured to announce
audibly the information regarding the media content.

18. An apparatus comprising: a content player according to claim 1; and a
remote control configured to input commands into the content player.

19. A method of providing content, the method comprising steps of:
receiving media content at a content player; receiving at the content
player information regarding the media content together with the media
content, the information regarding the media content comprising a plot
synopsis of the media content and a synopsis of transpired events in the
media content; providing the media content received in the step of
receiving to a user through the content player; displaying on a display
device of the content player at least a portion of the information
regarding the media content received in the step of receiving, the
portion of the information comprising the plot synopsis of the media
content and the synopsis of transpired events in the media content.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the portion of the
information regarding the media content further comprises a start time of
the media content, an end time of the media content, and a lapsed time of
the media content.

21. A method according to claim 18, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving the media content from tape.

22. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving the media content from optical storage media.

23. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving the media content as compressed digital content; the
method further comprises processing the compressed digital content using
a processor of the content player to obtain processed content; and the
step of providing comprises playing the processed content.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving wirelessly the media content and the information
regarding the media content.

25. A method according to claim 23, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving wirelessly a broadcast of the media content and of
the information regarding the media content.

26. A method according to claim 23, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving wirelessly a broadcast of the media content and of
the information regarding the media content, the broadcast being selected
from the group consisting of a radio broadcast and a television
broadcast.

27. A method according to claim 23, wherein the step of receiving
comprises receiving a satellite broadcast comprising the media content
and the information regarding the media content.

28. A method according to claim 19, wherein the information regarding the
media content comprises price of the media content.

29. A method according to claim 19, wherein the information regarding the
media content comprises product information regarding at least one of a
good and a service, and the portion of the information regarding the
media content displayed on the display device comprises the product
information.

30. A method according to claim 19, wherein the information regarding the
media content is at least one of transmitted as a header file to the
media content, encoded into at least a portion of the media content, and
transmitted during at least a portion of a transmission of the media
content.

31. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of displaying is
performed during the step of providing.

32. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of providing
comprises displaying the media content on the display device.

33. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of displaying
comprises showing on the display device a lapsed time of the media
content as a percentage of total duration of the media content.

34. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of providing
comprises reproducing audio of the media content through an audio device
of the content player.

35. A method according to claim 19, further comprising: receiving
commands for the content player through a remote control of the content
player.

36. A method of providing content, the method comprising steps of:
receiving media content at a content player; receiving at the content
player information regarding the media content together with the media
content, the information regarding the media content comprising a plot
synopsis of the media content and a synopsis of transpired events in the
media content; providing the media content received in the step of
receiving to a user through the content player; announcing through an
audio device of the content player at least a portion of the information
regarding the media content received in the step of receiving, said at
least portion of the media content comprising the plot synopsis of the
media content and the synopsis of transpired events in the media content.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for
providing information in conjunction with media content and, in
particular, to an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with broadcast media content, entertainment media content,
and/or media content which can be stored on, and/or played from, a
storage and/or playing medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Millions of individuals listen to radio stations and/or television
stations each day. Individuals utilize radios in order to listen to
music, radio programs, radio news programs, and/or radio talk shows, etc.
Individuals utilize television in order to watch television programs,
television shows, television news programs, television talk shows,
movies, and/or music videos, etc.

[0003] As many individuals can attest, oftentimes a song may be playing
which the listener desires to know more about. For example, a listener
can be listening to a song, find it enjoyable, and desire to know the
name of the song, the performer who is performing the song, or any other
information (i.e. the name of the album on which the song may be featured
or found, etc.) so that he or she may purchase a copy of same. Similarly,
an individual listening to a radio show or radio talk show may want to
know more information regarding the show's subject matter or the show's
performers or participants so that he or she may obtain a copy of same or
seek to listen to the respective show at a later time.

[0004] While information regarding any of the respective songs, radio
shows, and/or radio programs, can be introduced prior to, or announced
subsequent to, the broadcast of the respective songs, radio shows, and/or
radio programs, the information is typically not provided during the
course of the broadcast and, as a result, an individual who misses the
respective introduction or announcement may never receive the desired
information. Particularly during broadcast of a piece of classical music,
which, at times, may be quite long, a listener may struggle to recall the
name of a familiar piece and the composer thereof or be curious to learn
the composer, performer(s) and the name of currently playing piece of
music that caught the listener's attention.

[0005] In a similar manner, there are many instances in which an
individual may be watching a television show or program and, finding same
to be enjoyable, desire to obtain more information about same. For
example, an individual watching a television talk show may want to learn
the name of the show, the subject matter or description of the show, the
performers or participants involved in the show, or any other
information, which can enable the individual to obtain a copy of the show
or program, or learn more about same in order to watch the program at a
later time. An individual may also wish to know, without having to resort
to a printed TV Guide, which may not be at hand, or having to switch
channels to an online TV Guide, when the TV program, show or movie
started and when it will finish or how much of it has been missed, in
order to be able to decide whether or not to watch this TV program, show
or movie. An individual may also wish to know a brief synopsis of the
transpired events in order to be able to understand the story line and
enjoy the rest of the movie.

[0006] It is again noted that, while information regarding any of the
respective television programs, movies or shows can be introduced prior
to, or announced subsequent to, the broadcast of the respective program,
movie or show, the information is typically not provided during the
course of the broadcast and, as a result, an individual who misses the
respective introduction or announcement may never receive the desired
information.

[0007] In today's information age, individuals are use to, and have come
to expect, if not demand, to have information available to them
instantaneously. Yet, in spite of this, no system or apparatus is
currently available which can provide radio broadcasts or television
broadcasts along with information regarding the content of the respective
broadcast.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for
providing information in conjunction with media content, which overcomes
the shortfalls of the prior art. The present invention pertains to an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for providing
information in conjunction with broadcast media content, entertainment
media content, and/or media content which can be stored on, and/or played
from, a storage and/or playing medium.

[0009] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
providing information regarding the content of a radio broadcast,
television broadcast, webcast, media broadcast of any kind or type,
and/or information regarding media content which can be stored on a
conventional storage medium. The present invention can also be utilized
in order to provide information regarding, relating to, and/or
descriptive of, radio programs, music, songs, television programs,
television shows, movies, webcast, and/or audio or video information, of
any kind.

[0010] The present invention can be utilized in order to provide
information relating to, or regarding, live or pre-recorded broadcasts or
transmissions of radio programs, songs, television programs, television
shows, movies, webcast, and/or audio or video information of any kind.
The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide
information relating to, or regarding, radio programs, music, songs,
television programs, television shows, movies, webcast, and/or audio or
video information, which can be stored on any type or kind of storage
medium.

[0011] The information which can be provided by the present invention can
include any one or more of the name or title of the media content, the
respective author(s), performer(s), musician(s), singer(s), actor(s),
director(s), producer(s), writer(s), composer(s), involved in, and/or
featured in, the respective media content, a description of the media
content, the year produced, and/or any cost or price information
regarding same. The information can also include the beginning and end
time as well as the duration of the broadcast, such duration expressed in
absolute units of time and/or as a percentage of the total length of the
broadcast. The information can also include a brief synopsis of the
transpired events and/or the story line. The information can also include
a unique identification number which can be assigned to and/or which can
be associated with each particular selection of media content.

[0012] The information, which can be provided by the present invention,
can also include information regarding goods or services which
information can be provided to a user along with, and/or in addition to,
the other herein-described information regarding the media content. The
information regarding goods or services can include marketing
information, sales information, promotional information, advertisement
information, and/or any other information for facilitating a sale of a
respective good or service and/or for promoting a respective good or
service.

[0013] The present invention can provide information regarding media
content, such as, for example, a piece of music, a song, a television
show, a movie, a radio program, etc., by displaying the information to a
respective listener or viewer.

[0014] The apparatus of the present invention can include a broadcasting
system, which can broadcast any of the various types or kinds of media
content described herein. Any number of broadcasting systems can be
utilized in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention.

[0015] The apparatus of the present invention can also include a
media-playing device which can receive broadcasts from any of the
broadcasting systems utilized in conjunction with the present invention.
The media-playing device can be any one of more of a radio, a television,
a VCR, a tape player, a CD player, a DVD player a computer, a cellular
telephone, an Internet appliance, a personal digital assistant, a
wireless media-playing device or any other device, for receiving and/or
for playing broadcasts, webcasts, or transmissions of media content. Any
number of media-playing devices can be utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus of the present invention.

[0016] The apparatus of the present invention can operate and/or can be
utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitable communication
network or system which can include any one or more of a radio frequency
(RF) communication network or system, a satellite network or system, a
telecommunications network or system, a television communication network
or system, a cable television communication network or system, a
satellite television network or system, a closed-circuit communication
network or system, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a wide-area
network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the World Wide Web, a wireless
communication network, a cellular telecommunication network, a wireless
Internet communication network, a wireless World Wide Web communication
network and/or any other communications network capable of transmitting
media content.

[0017] The apparatus of the present invention can also operate and/or can
be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any other suitable
communication network or system.

[0018] The broadcasting system can include broadcasting equipment needed
or desired for facilitating the functionality of the respective media
broadcasting system. The broadcasting system can also include a central
processing computer and or central processing unit (CPU) for controlling
the operation of the broadcasting system, and a memory device for storing
any of the information described herein as being provided with the
respective media content as well as any other information for
facilitating the operation of the apparatus as described herein. The
memory device can also be utilized in order to store media content.

[0019] The media-playing device can include media-playing equipment, which
can be utilized to receive and/or to play any of the media content
described herein. The media-playing device can also include a central
processing computer and or central processing unit (CPU) for controlling
the operation of the media-playing device. The media-playing device can
also include an input device, which can include a remote control device,
for inputting information and/or commands into the media-playing device.
The media-playing device can also include a display device for displaying
any of the information described-herein as being provided by the present
invention.

[0020] A remote control device associated with a media-playing device can
also include a display device for displaying requested any of the
information described-herein as being provided by the present invention.

[0021] The present invention can be utilized in order to provide
information relating to media content, which media content can include
any one or more of audio information, video information, and/or audio and
video information. The information can be provided along with the media
content, which is being broadcast to a media-playing device. The
information can also be provided along with media content which is being
played from a storage medium located at, or in, the respective
media-playing device.

[0022] The apparatus of the present invention can be utilized in order to
provide broadcasts of music, songs, television shows, television
programs, movies, and/or any other audio information, video information,
and/or audio and video information. Any of the information, which can be
provided by the present invention, can be encoded into the respective
media content. The information can also be provided as a header file to
the media content. The information can also be encoded into, multiplexed
with, mixed with, and/or transmitted in conjunction with, the media
content.

[0023] The information can also be encoded with, multiplexed with, mixed
with, and/or stored in conjunction with, media content which is stored on
a storage medium such as a compact disc, a digital video disc or digital
versatileversatile disc (DVD), a tape, digital TV recorder, an MP3
storage device, programmable memory, a hard disk, and/or any other
storage medium.

[0024] The broadcasting system can broadcast or transmit media content
along with the herein-described information regarding the media content.
The media-playing device can receive and process the media content as
well as the information, which pertains to the media content.

[0025] The media-playing device can play the media content. The
media-playing device can also process and display the information
pertaining to the media content for viewing by a respective listener or
viewer. The media-playing device can also store the information
pertaining to the media content in an appropriate buffer or storage
location.

[0026] The present invention can be utilized in order to provide a
listener with any one or more of the name of a song, the performer(s) of
the song, the composer(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the song, the
album on which the song appears, the price of a song single, the price of
an album(s) in which the song can be found, an identification number
pertaining to the song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant
information regarding the song, in conjunction with a broadcast or a
transmission of the media content.

[0027] The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide a
viewer with any one or more of the name of a show, the performer(s) in
the show, the actor(s) appearing in the show, the producer(s) or
director(s) of the show, the price of a video copy of the show, an
identification number pertaining to the show, beginning and end time as
well as the duration of the broadcast, a brief synopsis of the transpired
events and/or of the story line, and/or any other pertinent and/or
relevant information regarding the show, in conjunction with a broadcast
or a transmission of the media content.

[0028] The present invention can also be utilized in order to display
information regarding media content which is being played on a
media-playing device from a storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a
digital video disc or digital versatileversatile disc (DVD), a video
cassette, a laser disc, a tape, digital TV recorder, MP3 device, hard
disk, programmable memory, memory card, media card, or other recording
and/or storage medium.

[0029] The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide a
listener with any one or more of the name of a song, the performer(s) of
the song, the composer(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the song, the
album on which the song appears, the price of a song single, the price of
an album(s) in which the song can be found, an identification number
pertaining to the song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant
information regarding the song, in conjunction with media content which
is played on, or from, a media-playing device.

[0030] The present invention can also be utilized in order to provide a
viewer with any one or more of the name of a show, the performer(s) in
the show, the actor(s) appearing in the show, the producer(s) or
director(s) of the show, the price of a video copy of the show, beginning
and end time as well as the duration of the broadcast, a brief synopsis
of the transpired events and/or of the story line, an identification
number pertaining to the show, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant
information regarding the show, in conjunction with media content which
is played on, or from, a media-playing device.

[0031] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content.

[0032] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with
broadcast media content.

[0033] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content, which is stored on a storage medium.

[0034] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with a
radio broadcast, a television broadcast, webcast and/or a media
broadcast, of any kind or type.

[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with radio
programs, songs, television programs, television shows, movies, and/or
audio or video information, of any kind.

[0036] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with live
broadcasts of media content and/or broadcasts of pre-recorded media
content.

[0037] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information which can include any one
or more of a name or title of the media content, a respective
performer(s), singer(s), actor(s), director(s), producer(s), writer(s),
composer(s), conductor(s), involved in, and/or featured in, the
respective media content, a description of the media content, the year
produced, and/or any cost or price information regarding same.

[0038] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information which can include any one
or more of a show's or a movie's beginning and end time as well as the
duration of the broadcast, a brief synopsis of the transpired events
and/or of the story line.

[0039] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can be utilized on, or over, any one or more of a radio
frequency (RF) communication network or system, a television
communication network or system, a cable television communication network
or system, a satellite communication network or system, a
telecommunications network or system, and/or a closed-circuit
communication network or system.

[0040] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can be utilized on, or over, any one or more of the
Internet, an intranet, an extranet, the World Wide Web, a wide area
network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a cellular communication
network or system, a wireless communication network, a wireless Internet
communication network, and/or a wireless World Wide Web communication
network.

[0041] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which is being broadcast to a media-playing device.

[0042] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which is being played from a storage medium located at, or in,
the respective media-playing device.

[0043] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content wherein the information is any one or more of, encoded into,
multiplexed with, mixed with, and/or transmitted in conjunction with, the
media content.

[0044] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content wherein the information is provided as a header file to the media
content.

[0045] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content wherein the information is any one or more of, encoded into,
multiplexed with, mixed with, and/or transmitted in conjunction with, the
stored media content.

[0046] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content wherein the information is provided as a header file to the
stored media content.

[0047] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can broadcast or transmit the information along with the
media content.

[0048] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content, which can be received and processed at a media-playing device.

[0049] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content, which can display the information to a respective listener or
viewer.

[0050] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content, which can display the information to a respective listener or
viewer at, or in conjunction with, a media-playing device.

[0051] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content, which can display the information to a respective listener or
viewer at, or in conjunction with a remote control and/or input device
associated with a media-playing device.

[0052] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can store the information at, or in conjunction with, a
media-playing device.

[0053] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can be utilized in order to provide a listener with any one
or more of the name of a song, the performer(s) of the song, the
composer(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the song, the album on which
the song appears, the price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in
which the song can be found, an identification number pertaining to the
song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song.

[0054] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can be utilized in order to provide a viewer with any one
or more of the name of a show and/or movie, the performer(s) in the show
and/or movie, the actor(s) appearing in the show and/or movie, the
producer(s) or director(s) of the show and/or movie, the beginning time
of the show and/or movie, the end time of the show and/or movie, and/or
duration of the show and/or movie, a brief synopsis of the transpired
events of the show and/or movie and/or of the story line, the price of a
video copy of the show, an identification number pertaining to the show,
and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the
show.

[0055] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media
content which can also provide information regarding goods and services
along with, and/or in addition to, the information regarding the media
content.

[0056] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the Description of
the Preferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings, which
follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] In the Drawings:

[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the
present invention, in block diagram form;

[0065] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for
providing information in conjunction with media content and, in
particular, to an apparatus and method for providing information in
conjunction with broadcast media content, entertainment media content,
and/or media content which can be stored on, and played from, a storage
and/or media medium.

[0066] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
providing information regarding the content of a radio broadcast, a
television broadcast, a webcast, and/or a media broadcast of any kind or
type, and/or information regarding media content which can be stored on a
conventional storage medium. The information provided can include any
information, descriptive matter, and/or other subject matter, regarding
the media content.

[0067] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
apparatus and method can be utilized in order to provide information
regarding, relating to, and/or descriptive of radio programs, songs,
music, television programs, television shows, movies, radio and/or
television advertisement of goods or services, and/or audio or video
information of any kind. The respective radio programs, songs, music,
television programs, television shows, movies, radio and/or television
advertisement of goods or services, and/or audio or video information of
any kind, can be broadcast from a broadcasting system or broadcasting
station.

[0068] The respective radio programs, songs, music, television programs,
television shows, movies, radio and/or television advertisement of goods
or services, and/or audio or video information of any kind, can be
broadcast as a live broadcast of media content or as a broadcast of
pre-recorded or taped materials or media content.

[0069] In another preferred embodiment, the information can be provided
along with, and/or in conjunction with, the respective stored radio
programs, songs, music, television programs, television shows, movies,
radio and/or television advertisement of goods or services, and/or audio
or video information, on a storage medium which can include, but which is
not limited to, a video cassette, VHS tape, Betacam tape, any kind of
video tape, a film, a digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD),
a compact disc (CD), a laser disc, a tape, a record, a computer hard
disk, digital TV recorder, an MP3 player, PCMCIA memory card, flash media
card, a digital memory device, any other electronic and/or magnetic
storage media, and/or any other type of storage media.

[0070] The respective radio programs, songs, music, television programs,
television shows, movies, radio and/or television advertisement of goods
or services, and/or audio or video information, which can be stored on
the respective storage medium can be broadcast from a respective radio
broadcaster, television broadcaster, and/or other media broadcaster,
and/or can be utilized on a user's media-playing device. The
media-playing device can be, or can include, any one or more or a radio,
a television, a personal computer, a portable computer, a compact disc
(CD) player, a video disc (DVD) player, a laser disc player, a video
cassette recorder (VCR), a video cassette player, a tape player, a tape
recorder, a record player, an MP3 player, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), an Internet appliance, cellular telephone, a wireless device, any
analog media-playing device, any digital media-playing device, and/or any
other suitable media-playing device.

[0071] The information which can be provided along with, and/or in
conjunction with, the respective radio programs, songs, music, television
programs, television shows, movies, radio and/or television advertisement
of goods or services, and/or audio or video information, (hereinafter
referred to as "media content") can include the name or title of the
media content, the respective performer(s), singer(s), musicians,
actor(s), director(s), producer(s), writer(s), composer(s), conductors,
involved in, and/or featured in, the respective media content (i.e. a
song performer, a music composer, a movie actor, a producer, etc.), a
description of the media content (i.e. song lyrics description,
description of advertised and/or featured goods and/or services, movie
theme, brief synopsis of the transpired events and/or movie story line,
etc.), the year produced, the year performed, the year recorded, and any
cost or price information regarding same (i.e. song album price, movie
video price, advertised and/or featured goods price, etc.). The
information can also include a beginning time, an end time, a lapsed time
expressed in absolute units and/or as a percentage of the total duration,
duration of the media broadcast and/or playback. The information can also
include a unique identification number which can be assigned to, and/or
which can be associated with, each particular selection of media content.

[0072] The unique identification number can be utilized in order to
identify a particular selection of media content, song, program, movie,
etc., for any appropriate reason such as for broadcast planning, media
content sales, etc. The information can also include any other data
and/or information, which can be related to the media content.

[0073] The information, which can be provided by the present invention,
can also include information regarding goods or services which
information can be provided to a user along with, and/or in addition to,
the other herein-described information regarding the media content. The
information regarding goods or services can include marketing
information, sales information, promotional information, advertisement
information, and/or any other information for facilitating a sale of a
respective good or service and/or for promoting a respective good or
service.

[0074] As defined herein, the term "media-playing device", or the plural
of same, refers to televisions, analog television sets, digital
television sets, HDTV receivers, radios, radio receivers, analog radios,
digital radios, stereos, tape players, record players, movie projectors,
video projectors, compact disc (CD) players, digital video disc (DVD)
players or digital versatile disc players, laser disc players, tape
players, computers, MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA),
cellular phones, wireless devices, Internet appliances, multimedia
devices, and/or any other suitable devices or systems which can be
utilized in order to receive and present broadcasts of the media content
described herein (i.e. radio broadcasts, television program broadcasts,
webcast, etc.). The media-playing device can also be any other suitable
device, which can play or present media content from a stored medium
(i.e. video cassette recorders/players, etc.).

[0075] As defined herein, the terms "broadcaster", "media provider", or
the plurals of same, refer to any broadcasters, radio broadcasters,
television broadcasters, Internet webcasters, media broadcasters of any
type, media content providers, and/or any providers or broadcasters of
any of the media content described herein.

[0076] The apparatus and method of the present invention can provide
information regarding media content, such as for example, a song, a music
performance, a television show, a movie, a radio program, an
advertisement of goods and/or services, etc., by displaying the
information to an individual listener, viewer, or receiver of the
respective media content. For example, information regarding a song,
which is being broadcast by a radio station, can be provided on a
suitable display device located on an individual's radio, stereo,
computer screen, information display, and/or remote control device. The
information can include any one or more of the name of the song, the
album, if any, on which the song is featured, the artist or performer
performing the song, the producer of the song, the composer of the song,
the theme of the song or the song's lyrics, the year produced, and/or the
price of a single recording and/or the price(s) of an album(s) featuring
the song.

[0077] In the case of a television show, program, or movie, the
information can include any one or more of the name of the show, program,
or movie, the actor(s) featured in the show, program, or movie, the
producer(s) or director(s) of the show, program, or movie, the writer(s)
or composer(s) of the show, program, or movie, the theme of the show,
program, or movie, the year produced, a brief synopsis of the story line
and/or of the transpired events (from the start of the movie until the
current moment and/or until the time when the viewer request such
information), the start time, the end time, the duration expressed in the
absolute time units or as a percentage of the total duration of the
movie, program, or show, and/or the price of a recording or tape of the
show, program, or movie.

[0078] In the case of any other media content, the information can include
any of the above-described information and/or any other information,
which may be relevant and/or pertinent to the media content.

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention, which is
designated generally by the reference numeral 100. With reference to FIG.
1, the apparatus 100 includes a broadcasting system 10 which can
broadcast any of the media content described herein. Any number of
broadcasting systems 10 can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus
100 of the present invention. Each broadcasting system 10 can be
associated with one or more of a radio broadcaster, a television
broadcaster, a webcaster, a media broadcaster, a multimedia broadcaster,
a radio station, a television station, an Internet server, or other media
provider.

[0080] With reference once again to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 also
includes a media-playing device 20 which can receive broadcasts from any
of the broadcasting systems 10 described herein. The broadcasts can
include any of the herein-described media content. The media-playing
device 20 can be associated with one or more individuals or users of the
apparatus 100.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the media-playing-device 20 can be any
one of more of a radio, a television, a computer, a network terminal, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a cellular
telephone, a watch, or media receiver, for receiving broadcasts. In
another preferred embodiment, the media-playing device 20 can be any one
or more of a compact disc player (CD), a video disc player (DVD), a laser
disc player, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a video cassette player, a
personal video recorder, a tape player, an MP3 player, and/or any other
suitable media-playing device for playing media content from a storage
medium. Any number of media-playing devices 20 can be utilized in
conjunction with the apparatus 100.

[0082] The apparatus 100 can operate and/or can be utilized on, over,
and/or in conjunction with, any suitable communication network or system
which can include any one or more of a radio frequency (RF) communication
network or system, a cable radio communication network or system, a
digital radio communication network or system, a satellite radio
communication network or system, a television communication network or
system, a cable television communication network or system, a digital
television communication network or system, a high-definition television
(HDTV) communication network or system, a satellite television
communication network or system, a telecommunications network or system,
a cellular telecommunications network or system, a radio
telecommunications network or system, a wireless telecommunications
network or system, an optical telecommunications network or system, a
closed-circuit communication network or system, the Internet, an
intranet, an extranet, the World Wide Web, a local area network (LAN) a
wide area network (WAN), a wireless communication network, a wireless
Internet communication network, and/or a wireless World Wide Web
communication network. The apparatus 100 can also operate and/or can be
utilized on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any other suitable
communication network or system.

[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates the broadcasting system 10 of FIG. 1, in block
diagram form. With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcasting system 10
includes broadcasting equipment 10A, which can include any and all of the
components and/or system components commonly found in traditional
broadcasting systems. In the case of a radio broadcasting system, the
broadcasting equipment 10A can include any and/or all of the components
commonly found in, and/or associated with, a conventional radio
broadcasting system. Similarly, in the case of a television broadcasting
system, the broadcasting equipment 10A can include any and/or all of the
components commonly found in, and/or associated with, a conventional
television broadcasting system. In the case of media broadcasting system
of any kind or type, the broadcasting equipment 10A can include any
and/or all of the components needed and/or desired for facilitating the
functionality of the respective media broadcasting system.

[0085] The memory device 10C can contain any of the information described
herein as being provided with the respective media content. For example,
the memory device 10C can contain, for any given song, any one or more of
the name of the song, the album, if any, on which the song is featured,
the artist or performer performing the song, the producer of the song,
the composer of the song, the theme of the song or the song's lyrics, the
year produced, and/or the price of a single recording and/or the price(s)
of an album(s) featuring the song.

[0086] In the case of a television show, program, or movie, the memory
device 10C can contain any one or more of the name of the show, program,
or movie, the actor(s) featured in the show, program, or movie, the
producer(s) or director(s) of the show, program, or movie, the writer(s)
or composer(s) of the show, program, or movie, the theme of the show,
program, or movie, the synopsis of the story line and/or the transpired
events, the year produced, start time, end time, lapsed time, and/or the
price of a recording or copy of the show, program, or movie.

[0087] The memory device 10C can also contain media content, which is
available for broadcast to any of the herein-described media-playing
devices 20.

[0088] The media content can be provided with any of the herein-described
information which can be provided in a header field, which can be encoded
into the main body of the media content and/or which can be encoded in a
carrier signal. In the case of a live broadcast from a stored medium, the
information can be broadcast along with the media content from the media
storage device. The central processing computer and/or central processing
unit (CPU) can encode the pertinent information into the media content of
a live broadcast and/or into the live broadcast of media content, which
is being broadcast from a stored medium.

[0089]FIG. 3 illustrates the media-playing device 20 of FIG. 1, in block
diagram form. The media-playing device 20 can include media-playing
device equipment 20A, which can include any and/or all of the components
and systems of the respective media-playing device 20. The media-playing
device equipment 20A can also include a reading device for reading
information from a storage medium, such as, but not limited to, a compact
disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a laser
disc, a tape, a video cassette tape, a personal video recorder, an MP3
storage device, and/or any other storage medium or device described
herein.

[0090] The media-playing device 20 can also include a central processing
computer 20B. The central processing computer 20B can include a
processor(s), a random access memory (RAM) device(s), read only memory
(ROM) device(s), a magnetic memory storage (hard disk) device(s), an
input device(s), a display device(s), an output device(s), and/or any
other components or devices, including peripheral devices, for performing
any of the functionality described herein. The central processing
computer 20B and/or central processing unit (CPU) can be utilized in
order to process the information pertaining to the media content and/or
to control the display of same. The central processing computer and/or
central processing unit (CPU) 20B is linked with and/or connected to the
media-playing equipment 20A.

[0091] With reference to FIG. 3, the media-playing device 20 can also
include an input device 20C, which can include a remote control device,
for inputting information and/or commands into the media-playing device
20. The remote control device can be utilized in order to provide remote
control over the operation of the media-playing device 20 and/or the
central processing computer and/or central processing unit (CPU) 20B. The
media-playing device 20 can also include a display device 20D for
displaying any of the information described-herein as being provided by
the apparatus 100.

[0092] The display device 20D can be a separate display device dedicated
to the display of the information provided by the apparatus 100 of the
present invention. The display device 20D can also be integrated with the
respective display screen or control panel of the respective
media-playing device 20. The display device 20D can also be located on
the remote control device 20B in addition to, and/or instead of, being
located at, or on, the media-playing device 20. The display device 20D
can also be located on the dashboard control display of a car radio
and/or other vehicle media playing device 20.

[0093] As noted above, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to
provide information relating to media content, such as, for example,
audio information, video information, and/or audio and video information.
In a preferred embodiment, the information can be provided along with
media content, which is being broadcast to a media-playing device.

[0094] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment method for utilizing the
apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the
apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to provide broadcasts of audio
information, such as a radio broadcast or other transmitted broadcast of
music, songs, advertisement of goods and/or services and/or other audio
information, along with any of the herein-described information.

[0095] For example, the apparatus 100 can provide a radio broadcast of a
song. In conjunction with the song, the apparatus 100 can provide any
and/or all of the herein-described information pertaining to, and/or
relating to, the song, such as, for example, information regarding the
name of the song, the performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the
song, the producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song appears,
the price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in which the song
can be found, an identification number pertaining to the song, and/or any
other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the song.

[0096] In the case of other audio information, such as, for example, news
broadcasts, talk radio shows, and/or other audio content, which can be
broadcast over the radio or other broadcast medium, the information can
include any information pertinent to, and/or relevant to, the broadcast
or show. This information can include news story name, title,
description, place or time of occurrence, talk show subject matter,
participants, etc.

[0097] In the case of other audio information, such as, for example,
advertisement of goods and/or services, which can be broadcast over the
radio or other broadcast medium, the information can include any
information pertinent to, and/or relevant to, the advertisement of goods
and/or services. This information can include brand name, size, color,
material, suggested retail price, discount, purchase price, shipping and
handling cost, delivery time, catalog number, etc.

[0098] Any of the herein described information can be transmitted along
with the audio information, song, music, advertisement, or broadcast. The
herein-described information can be encoded into a digital recording or
digital file of the respective audio information, song, music, or
broadcast media content.

[0099] The information can be encoded and stored at the beginning of the
respective audio file, such as in a header portion of the audio
information, and/or the information can be multiplexed with, and/or mixed
with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, audio information. The
information can be stored along with the audio information on a compact
disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a
personal video recorder, a tape, an MP3 device, a computer, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a cellular phone, a
watch, a digital memory device, a magnetic memory device, and/or any
other storage medium.

[0100] In another preferred embodiment, the information can be broadcast
along with the audio information by being co-broadcast in a portion of
the signal bandwidth, by a suitable transmitter or transmission system.
The information can also be encoded into, and/or with, the broadcast
signal, and/or with a pulse(s) or train of pulses containing data
representing the herein-described information.

[0101] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the operation of the
apparatus 100 is described in conjunction with providing the
herein-described information in conjunction with a radio broadcast of a
song or selection of music. While, in the preferred embodiment, the
apparatus 100 is described in conjunction with a radio broadcast of a
song, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 can also be utilized in conjunction
with Internet transmissions, broadcasts, and/or webcasts, MP3
transmissions or broadcasts, digital transmissions or broadcasts, analog
transmissions or broadcasts, radio frequency transmission or broadcasts,
satellite transmissions or broadcasts, cable transmissions or broadcasts,
and/or any other suitable transmissions or broadcasts.

[0102] With reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 400. At step 401, the broadcasting system 10 broadcasts
or transmits the song or selection of music, along with the
herein-described information regarding the song or selection of music. At
step 401, the broadcasting system 10 can broadcast or transmit the song
or selection of music to any number of media-playing devices 20. In the
embodiment of FIG. 4, the media-playing device 20 can be any one or more
of a radio, a radio receiver, a radio tuner, a mobile radio (i.e. car
radio, etc.), and/or any other device for receiving the radio broadcast
or transmission.

[0103] At step 402, the media-playing device 20 associated with the
individual can receive the broadcast. At step 403, the media-playing
device 20 can process the information received in the broadcast. At step
403, the central processing computer and/or central processing unit (CPU)
20B can process the information pertaining to, and/or regarding, the
media content, which can be transmitted as a header file to the song or
selection of music, which can be transmitted throughout the broadcast of
the song or music selection, and/or which can be transmitted during a
portion of the song or music selection.

[0104] At step 404, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing the song
or selection of music. At step 404, the information pertaining to, and/or
relating to, the song or selection of music can be stored in a memory
location or buffer and can be displayed on the display device 20D. In the
case of information provided in a header file, the central processing
computer 20B can latch or store the information in a buffer or memory
device and, thereafter, display the information on the display device
20D. In the case of information which is multiplexed with, mixed with, or
transmitted along with, the broadcast and/or with the media content, the
central processing computer 20B can continuously process the information,
such as at pre-determined time intervals, and latch or store the
information in a buffer or memory device for display.

[0105] At step 404, the information is displayed on any one or more of the
display device 20D, the radio display console, a dashboard display
console of a car radio, and/or a display device located on the radio
remote control device 20C. The displayed information can include any one
or more of the name of the song, the performer(s) of the song, the
composer(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the song, the album on which
the song appears, the price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in
which the song can be found, an identification number pertaining to the
song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song.

[0106] The information can be displayed on the display device 20D which
can be a dedicated display device, for displaying the above-described
information, and/or which can be integrated into the radio control panel
display and/or the radio remote control display. The information can also
be audibly announced through the radio speaker(s) and/or earphones.

[0107] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual who is
listening to the song with any of the herein-described information
relating to the song.

[0108] The displayed information can also include information regarding
goods or services. The information regarding goods or services can
include marketing information, sales information, promotional
information, advertisement information, product information, service
information, and/or any other information for facilitating a sale of a
respective good or service and/or for promoting a respective good or
service.

[0109] At step 404, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
song or selection of music, as well as any information regarding goods or
services, can be displayed on the display device 20D for the duration of
the song or selection of music or can be displayed for a portion of the
song or selection of music. At step 405, the information will cease to be
visually displayed and/or audibly announced upon the conclusion of the
song or selection of music and/or at any other time during the playing of
the song of selection of music. Thereafter, the operation of the
apparatus 100 will cease at step 406, upon the conclusion of the song.
The above-described process can then be repeated for a next song received
from the broadcasting system 10.

[0110] FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment of
FIG. 5 the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to provide broadcasts
of video information and/or audio and video information, such as from a
television broadcast or other transmitted broadcast of television shows,
television programs, movies, performances, music videos, etc., along with
any of the herein-described information. For example, the apparatus 100
can provide a television broadcast of a television show, television
program, performance, or movie (hereinafter referred to as "show").

[0111] In conjunction with the show, the apparatus 100 can provide any
and/or all of the herein-described information pertaining to, and/or
relating to, the show, such as, for example, information regarding the
name of the show, the performer(s) in the show, the actor(s) appearing in
the show, the producer(s) or director(s) of the show, the theme, subject,
topic, and/or idea of the show, the rating of the show, the synopsis of
the show story line and/or lapsed events, show start time, show end time,
lapsed time of the show in absolute unit of time and/or as a percentage
of the total show duration, the price of a video copy of the show, an
identification number pertaining to the show, and/or any other pertinent
and/or relevant information regarding the song.

[0112] In the case of other video information, such as, for example, a
television program, television show, movie, music video, performance,
news broadcast, talk radio show, and/or other video content, which can be
broadcast over the television or other broadcast medium, the information
can include any information pertinent to, and/or relevant to, the
broadcast or show. This information can include show name, title,
description, story line, actors or performers in the show, producers or
directors of the show, place or time of occurrence, talk show subject
matter, participants, etc.

[0113] Any of the herein described information can be transmitted along
with the video information or media content of the show.

[0114] The information can be encoded and stored at the beginning of the
respective video file, such as in a header portion of the video
information, and/or the information can be multiplexed with, and/or mixed
with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, video information. The
information can be stored along with the video information on a compact
disc (CD), a digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a laser
disc, a video cassette tape, a personal video recorder, a removable hard
disk, a flash media card, a streaming video file storage medium, and/or
any other storage medium.

[0115] In another preferred embodiment, the information can be broadcast
along with the video information by being co-broadcast, in a portion of
the signal bandwidth, by a suitable transmitter or transmission system.
The information can also be encoded into, and/or with, the broadcast
signal, and/or can be transmitted as a series of pulses or pulse trains
containing data representing the herein-described information.

[0116] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the operation of the apparatus 100 is
described in conjunction with providing the herein-described information
in conjunction with a television broadcast of a show. While, in the
preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is described in conjunction with
a television broadcast of a show, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 5 can also be
utilized in conjunction with Internet transmissions, webcasts or
broadcasts, streaming video transmissions or broadcasts, digital
transmissions or broadcasts, analog transmissions or broadcasts, radio
frequency transmission or broadcasts, satellite transmission or
broadcasts, cable transmission of broadcasts, wireless transmission or
broadcasts, and/or via any other suitable transmissions or broadcasts.

[0117] With reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 500. At step 501, the broadcasting system 10 broadcasts
or transmits the show, along with the herein-described information
regarding the show. At step 501, the broadcasting system 10 can broadcast
or transmit the show to any number of media-playing devices 20. In the
embodiment of FIG. 5, the media-playing device 20 can be any one or more
of a television, a television receiver, a mobile television (i.e. car
television, etc.), a monitor, a display terminal, a wearable computer
display, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
watch, a wireless device, and/or any other device for receiving the
broadcast or transmission.

[0118] At step 502, the media-playing device 20 associated with the
individual can receive the broadcast. At step 503, the media-playing
device 20 can process the information received in the broadcast. At step
503, the central processing computer and/or central processing unit (CPU)
20B can process the information pertaining to, and/or regarding, the
media content, which can be transmitted as a header file to the show,
which can be transmitted throughout the broadcast of the show, and/or
which can be transmitted during a portion of the show.

[0119] At step 504, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing the
show. At step 504, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
show can be stored in a memory location or buffer and can be displayed on
the display device 20D. In the case of information provided in a header
file, the central processing computer and/or central processing unit
(CPU) 20B can latch or store the information in a buffer, memory device,
or storage device and, thereafter, display the information on the display
device 20D. In the case of information, which is multiplexed with, mixed
with, or transmitted along with, the broadcast and/or with the video
information, the central processing computer 20B can continuously process
the information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, and latch or
store the information in a buffer or memory device for display.

[0120] At step 504, the information is displayed on any one or more of the
display device 20D, the television screen, the television display or
display console, and/or a display device of the television remote control
device 20C.

[0121] The displayed information can include any one or more of the name
of the show, the performer(s) in the show, the actor(s) appearing in the
show, the producer(s) or director(s) of the show, the theme of the show,
the rating of the show, the synopsis of the story-line of the show and of
the transpired events, the start, end and/lapsed time of the show, the
price of a video copy of the show, an identification number pertaining to
the show, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information
regarding the show. The information can be displayed on the display
device 20D which can be a dedicated display device, for displaying the
above-described information, and/or can be integrated into the television
display screen, the television control panel display, and/or a display
located on the television remote control device 20C. The information can
also be audibly announced through the television and/or home theatre
speakers and/or earphones.

[0122] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual who is
viewing the show with any of the herein-described information relating to
the show.

[0123] The displayed information can also include information regarding
goods or services. The information regarding goods or services can
include marketing information, sales information, promotional
information, advertisement information, product information, service
information, and/or any other information for facilitating a sale of a
respective good or service and/or for promoting a respective good or
service.

[0124] At step 504, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
show, as well as any information regarding goods or services, can be
displayed on the display device 20D for the duration of the show or can
be displayed for a portion of the show. At step 505, the information will
cease to be visually displayed and/or audibly announced upon the
conclusion of the show and/or at any other time during the playing of the
show. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100 will cease, at step
506, upon the conclusion of the show. The above-described process can
then be repeated for a next show received from the broadcasting system
10.

[0125] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be utilized
to display information regarding audio information which is being played
on a media-playing device 20 from a storage medium such as a compact disc
(CD), a digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a record, a
tape, an MP3 file storage device, a flash media card, digital memory,
computer hard disk, or any other recording and/or storage medium. In this
manner, an individual can obtain information pertaining to, or regarding,
the media content or audio information from the storage medium. In this
embodiment, the media content or audio information can include a song, a
selection of music, or any other audio information, which can be stored
on the storage medium. Information regarding the media content or audio
information can be visually displayed and/or audibly announced by the
media-playing device 20 as the media content device 20 plays the media
content or audio information.

[0126]FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment of
FIG. 6, the herein-described information can be encoded into a digital
recording or digital file and stored in conjunction with the recording of
the respective audio information, song, and/or selection of music. The
information can be encoded and stored at the beginning of the respective
audio file, such as in a header portion of the audio information, and/or
the information can be multiplexed with, and/or mixed with, the entire,
or at least a portion of the, audio information. In any event, the
information can be stored in conjunction with, and/or along with the
media content or audio information, the song, or the selection of music,
on the respective storage medium.

[0127] The embodiment of FIG. 6 will be described herein in conjunction
with providing information regarding a song or a selection of music,
which is stored on a storage medium. The information pertaining to,
and/or relating to, the song can include, for example, information
regarding the name of the song, the performer(s) of the song, the
composer(s) of the song, the producer(s) of the song, the album on which
the song appears, the price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in
which the song can be found, an identification number pertaining to the
song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant information regarding
the song.

[0128] With reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 600. At step 601, the individual can load the storage
medium containing the song or selection of music, which storage medium
can be any one or more of a compact disc (CD), a DVD, a record, a tape,
an MP3 file storage medium, a laser disc, a, flash PC card (PCMCIA), a
flash media card, a digital memory device, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or
any other suitable storage device or medium, into the media-playing
device 20 and/or into the reading device of the media-playing device 20.
The media-playing device 20 can be any one or more of a compact disc (CD)
player, a DVD player, a record player, a tape player, an MP3 player, a
laser disc player, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
cellular phone, a watch, a wireless device, a multimedia device, or any
other suitable device.

[0129] At step 601, the individual can also select the song or selection
of music to be played on the media-playing device 20. At step 602, the
media-playing device 20 can begin playing the song or selection of music.
At step 602, the central processing computer and/or central processing
unit (CPU) 20B can also process the information pertaining to, and/or
regarding, the song or selection of music, which can be stored as header
information, which can be encoded throughout the song, and/or which can
be encoded for a portion of the song.

[0130] At step 602, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
song or selection of music can be stored in a memory location or buffer.

[0131] At step 603, the information is visually displayed on any one or
more of the display device 20D, the radio display console, and/or a
display device on the remote control device 20C and/or audibly announced
through the speaker(s) normally associated with the media-playing device
20 and/or earphones connected thereto. In the case of information
provided in a header, the central processing computer and or central
processing unit (CPU) 20B can latch or store the information in a buffer
or memory device. In the case of information which is multiplexed with,
and/or mixed with, the recorded audio information, the central processing
computer and or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can continuously
process the information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, and
latch or store the information in a buffer or memory device for visual
display and/or audible announcement.

[0132] The displayed information can include any one or more of the name
of the song, the performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song,
the producer(s) of the song, the album on which the song appears, the
price of a song single, the price of an album(s) in which the song can be
found, an identification number pertaining to the song, and/or any other
pertinent and/or relevant information regarding the song. The information
can be visually displayed on the display device 20D, which can be a
dedicated display device, for displaying the above-described information,
and/or can be integrated into the media-playing device 20 and/or the
remote control device 20C of same. The information can also be audibly
announced through the native speaker(s) of the device 20 and/or the
earphones connected thereto.

[0133] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual who is
listening to the song or selection of music with any of the
herein-described information relating to the song or selection of music.

[0134] The displayed information can also include information regarding
goods or services. The information regarding goods or services can
include marketing information, sales information, promotional
information, advertisement information, product information, service
information, good's retail price, good's manufacturer suggested price,
purchase price of good or service, discount of good or service, cost of
shipping and handling, material of a good, color of a good, size of a
good, specifications of a good, details of service and/or any other
information for facilitating a sale of a respective good or service
and/or for promoting a respective good or service.

[0135] At step 603, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
song or selection of music, as well as any information regarding goods or
services, can be visually displayed on the display device 20D for the
duration of the song or selection of music or can be visually displayed
or audibly announced for a portion of the song or selection of music.
Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100 will cease, at step 604,
upon the conclusion of the song. The above-described process can then be
repeated for a next song, which is played on the media-playing device 20.

[0136] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be utilized
to display information regarding video information, which is being played
on a media-playing device 20 from a storage medium such as a compact disc
(CD), a digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), a laser disc,
a record, a tape, a video cassette, a flash media card, a flash PC card,
a floppy disk, a hard disk, an audio file, a video file, or any other
recording and/or storage medium. In this manner, an individual can obtain
information pertaining to, or regarding, the media content or video
information from the storage medium. In this embodiment, the video
information can include a movie, a show, a performance, or any other
video information, which can be stored on the storage medium. In this
manner, information regarding the respective video information can be
visually displayed and/or audibly announced by the media-playing device
20 as the device plays the respective video information.

[0137] FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment of
FIG. 7, the herein-described information can be encoded into a digital
recording or digital file and stored in conjunction with the recording of
the respective video information, movie, show, performance, or any other
video information. The information can be encoded and stored at the
beginning of the respective video file, such as in a header portion of
the video information, the information can be multiplexed with, and/or
mixed with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, video information
and/or encoded in the carrier signal or the portion thereof. In any
event, the information can be stored in conjunction with, and/or along
with the video information, movie, show, performance, or any other video
information.

[0138] The embodiment of FIG. 7 will be described herein in conjunction
with providing information regarding a movie, which is stored on a
storage medium. The information pertaining to, or regarding, the movie
can include the name of the movie, the performer(s) in the movie, the
actor(s) appearing in the movie, the producer(s) or director(s) of the
movie, the theme of the movie, the ratings of the movie, warnings of
possibly objectionable content, parental guidance warnings, the synopsis
of the movie's story-line and/or transpired events, the start time, the
end time, the lapsed time expressed in absolute units of time and/or as a
percentage of the movie duration, the price of a video copy of the movie,
an identification number pertaining to the movie, and/or any other
pertinent, and/or relevant, information regarding the movie.

[0139] With reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the apparatus 100
commences at step 700. At step 701, the individual can load the storage
medium containing the movie, which storage medium can be any one or more
of a video cassette tape, a compact disc (CD), a DVD, a laser disc, a
flash PC card, a flash media card, a floppy disk a portable hard disk, a
video file, or any other suitable storage device or medium, into the
media-playing device 20 and/or into a reading device of the media-playing
device 20. The media-playing device 20 can be a television and/or any one
or more of a video cassette player, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a
compact disc (CD) player, a DVD player, a laser disc player, a personal
video recorder, a computer, a network terminal, an Internet appliance, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a watch, a wireless
device, a multimedia device, and/or any other device for playing video
information.

[0140] At step 701, the individual can also select the movie, which is to
be played, if more than-one are available on the storage medium. At step
702, the media-playing device 20 can begin playing the movie. At step
702, the central processing computer and or central processing unit (CPU)
20B can process the information pertaining to, and/or regarding, the
movie, which can be stored as header information, which can be encoded
throughout the movie, and/or which can be encoded for a portion of the
movie and/or which can be encoded in the carrier signal or the portion
thereof.

[0141] At step 702, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
movie can be stored in a memory location or buffer.

[0142] At step 703, the information is visually displayed on any one or
more of the display device 20D, the television display screen or display
console, and/or a display device on the television remote control device
20C, and/or audibly announced through the native speaker(s) normally
associated with the device 20, external speakers, home theatre, and/or
earphones connected thereto. In the case of information provided in a
header, the central processing computer and or central processing unit
(CPU) 20B can latch or store the information in a buffer or memory
device. In the case of information which is multiplexed with, and/or
mixed with, the recorded video information, the central processing
computer and or central processing unit (CPU) 20B can continuously
process the information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, and
latch or store the information in a buffer or memory device for visual
display and/or audible announcement.

[0143] The displayed information can include any one or more of the name
of the movie, the performer(s) in the movie, the actor(s) appearing in
the movie, the producer(s) or director(s) of the movie, the theme of the
movie, the ratings of the movie, warnings of possibly objectionable
content, parental guidance warnings, the synopsis of the movie's
story-line and/or transpired events, the start time, the end time, the
lapsed time expressed in absolute units of time and/or as a percentage of
the movie duration, the price of a video copy of the movie, an
identification number pertaining to the movie, and/or any other
pertinent, and/or relevant, information regarding the movie.

[0144] In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual who is
viewing the movie with any of the herein-described information relating
to the movie.

[0145] The displayed information can also include information regarding
goods or services. The information regarding goods or services can
include marketing information, sales information, promotional
information, advertisement information, product information, service
information, good's retail price, good's manufacturer suggested price,
purchase price of good or service, discount of good or service, cost of
shipping and handling, material of a good, color of a good, size of a
good, specifications of a good, details of service, and/or any other
information for facilitating a sale of a respective good or service
and/or for promoting a respective good or service.

[0146] At step 703, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the
movie, as well as any information regarding goods or services, can be
visually displayed on the display device 20D for the duration of the
movie or can be visually displayed and/or audibly announced for a portion
of the movie and/or at the viewer's requested. Thereafter, the operation
of the apparatus 100 will cease, at step 704, upon the conclusion of the
movie. The above-described process can then be repeated for a next movie,
which is played on the media-playing device 20.

[0147] In view of the above, the present invention provides an apparatus
and method, which can provide, visually display and/or audibly announce
information regarding media content, which is being played at, or by, a
media-playing device. In this manner, an individual listener or viewer
can be provided with any of the herein-described information regarding,
and/or relating to, the media content.

[0148] While the present invention has been described and illustrated in
various preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions are merely
illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be
limitations thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses
all modifications, variations, and/or alternate embodiments, with the
scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims, which
follow.